Meet Grigorii Butrin | Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grigorii Butrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grigorii, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always believed that doing what you love means never having to work a day in your life. Art has always held a special place in my heart — I’ve been drawing since childhood and felt that creativity is a natural part of who I am. That’s why choosing an artistic career was the most logical and organic decision for me. I never wanted to work “for someone” in the traditional sense — with schedules, bosses, and tasks that bring no joy. As a tattoo artist, I’ve gained the freedom not only to express myself but also to choose the projects I want to work on. I get to create every day, and the process never gets boring — it inspires me. I love seeing how my ideas become a part of someone’s story on their skin. It’s not just a job — it’s a way to live in harmony with myself and my calling

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is, above all, a way to speak to the world without words. I work in black-and-white realism and strive to capture deep emotion, character, and personal stories in every piece. What sets me apart is my attention to detail, genuine respect for each client, and my desire to create not just beautiful tattoos, but something meaningful and personal. I’m especially proud that many people come back to me again and again, trusting me with their bodies and their ideas.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. At first, I thought I’d just be a tattoo artist — drawing and tattooing, doing what I love. But I quickly realized that when you run your own business, you’re not just an artist. You’re also an accountant, a marketer, a photographer, a sales manager, a customer service specialist, and a social media manager — all at once. You have to manage your Instagram, communicate with clients, handle advertising, keep track of finances, and deal with all sorts of bureaucratic tasks. So many areas are involved, and all you wanted was to be a tattoo artist.

This journey has taught me a lot — patience, flexibility, decision-making, and taking responsibility. Despite all the challenges, I continue doing what I love and growing every day. My story is about someone who chose creativity as a way of life and isn’t afraid of the hard work that comes with it

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I base in Los Angeles, and I love that this city offers something for everyone—whether you enjoy the energy of urban life or prefer the peace of nature. If my best friend visited for a week, I would make sure to show them the best of both worlds.

I’m a big fan of nature, so depending on the season, we could take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where the landscapes are truly mesmerizing, or head to Big Bear Lake if it’s winter and we want to enjoy snowy mountain views. In the summer, Malibu’s beaches are a must—especially at sunset when the coastline looks absolutely stunning.

In the city, I’d definitely take them to Universal Studios. It’s one of those places that can bring out the kid in anyone, and the atmosphere is always exciting, especially if you love movies.

When it comes to food, LA has endless options. If we’re in the mood for something special, I’d take them to Kalinka, a Russian restaurant in Glendale—it’s always nice to revisit the flavors of childhood. There are also plenty of amazing burger spots, Mexican restaurants, and seafood places to explore.

Every day here brings a new experience—walking through Downtown, checking out scenic viewpoints, trying surfing, or just having long evening conversations by the ocean. The most important thing isn’t just showing someone the sights but sharing the atmosphere and energy that make this city so special

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to thank my family — my parents and my wife. Their love, belief in me, and constant support have been the solid foundation on which everything I’ve achieved is built. I’m also deeply grateful to my mentors — the experienced tattoo artists I had the privilege to learn from. Each of them shared a piece of their knowledge and skill with me, and I will always value that. But just as importantly, I want to give credit to myself — for the hard work, persistence, dedication to growth, and, of course, the talent that I’ve not only embraced but made the core of my life. Without this combination of love, knowledge, support, and inner strength, my journey would have looked very different

Website: https://www.butrin.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butrin.tattoo/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/grigoriy.butrin/

Image Credits
Grigorii Butrin